PCGame

Californium

First-person exploration where reality shifts around a struggling science fiction writer

Darjeeling, Nova Production, ARTE France · Published by ARTE France · Released Feb 17, 2016

AdventureCasualIndieSimulation

Reviews
Mostly Positive
71% of 285
Recent reviews
Not enough recent
Players
0
daily peak, Oct 30, 2026
Steam Deck
Untested
Last update on Steam
10 years ago
Jun 23, 2016
Minimum PC
DX9 (shader model 2.0)
4 GB RAM · 2 GB disk
Full requirements

Metacritic: 64/100 (critic reviews)

What is Californium?

Set in Berkeley in 1967, this psychedelic adventure follows Elvin Green, a science fiction writer searching for his identity. You explore alternate realities from a first-person perspective and search your surroundings for glitches in what appears real.

For you if...

  • +you enjoy science fiction inspired by Philip K. Dick
  • +you favor observation and environmental puzzles over action

Not for you if...

  • −you need a clear, straightforward story with definite answers
  • −you want a long campaign rather than a short experience

What players say

71% of 285 reviews are positive

Players praise the colorful visual style and voice acting, but criticize the repetitive hidden-sigil searches. Recent negative reviews also report bugs, including blocked progression and stuttering when moving and looking around.

Screenshots and trailer

Californium screenshot 1

Californium system requirements

Minimum: DX9 (shader model 2.0), 4 GB RAM, 2 GB of disk space.

As published by the developer.

Can my PC run Californium?

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Minimum

OS
Windows 7 or Higher
Processor
Intel Core i3 2.00 GHz
Graphics
DX9 (shader model 2.0)
Memory
4 GB RAM
Storage
2 GB available space

Does Californium have co-op or multiplayer?

No: single-player only, no multiplayer modes declared.

Does Californium run on Steam Deck?

Untested Not yet tested by Valve on Steam Deck.

PC version details

DRM
None declared on Steam
Controller
Keyboard and mouse
Platforms
Windows, macOS
Achievements
7
Steam features
Family Sharing
Languages
Full audio: English, French, German.

Does Californium use AI-generated content?

No AI-generated content is disclosed on the game's Steam page.

Self-reported by the developer under Steam rules: it covers AI content that ships in the game, not tools used to make it. Steam page checked on Oct 27, 2026. How to filter AI games on Steam

Tags

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